Clarke to face Bangladesh

Australia captain Michael Clarke will make his comeback from injury in Saturday’s World Cup match against Bangladesh in Brisbane, coach Darren Lehmann has confirmed.

Clarke, who had hamstring surgery less than two months ago and was set the deadline of Australia’s second Pool A fixture if he was to take any part in the World Cup, was widely understood to be on schedule to play this weekend after coming through a couple of warm-up games.

But Lehmann left no room for any remaining doubt when, asked about Clarke’s participation, he said in an exchange broadcast on Sky Sports News: “Yeah, he’s playing mate.”

Clarke is therefore set to replace George Bailey, who led Australia to a big opening victory against England in Melbourne last week.